Bonaire’s restaurants provide a rich mixture of food choices.

Over 140 eateries from which to choose!

At last count, there were over 140 restaurants or eateries serving eclectic menus from haute cuisine to local dishes (kuminda krioyo). Many of the restaurants are located on various resort properties, while others are situated adjacent to the seaside or close to the center of town. American, Italian, French, Indonesian, Chinese and continental fare is presented to tempt even the most discerning palates.

Dining on Bonaire provides a wide variety of cultural experiences. Caribbean influences color the local cuisine with papaya, plantain, wahoo, and funchi. The Dutch brought the European flavors of smoked meats and wonderful cheeses. And not to be left out, Surinam, a former Dutch colony, mixed in the great flavors of Dutch Indonesia, as well as Chinese, Indian, Thai, and African. All these combine to make local dining spicy, rich, and unusual. Try the Keshi Yena (cheese stuffed with seasoned fish), Bami Goreng (grilled meats with Indonesian noodles), and Kabritu Stoba (Goat Stew) for tasty treats.

Anybody less adventurous can’t miss with classic surf ‘n’ turfs made with Argentine or Brazilian beef at any of several seafood restaurants. Italian and Mediterranean style eateries offer a wide range of delectables from pasta pots to traditional menus, not to mention desserts. Mexican, Japanese sushi, Spanish tapas or “bites,” and American favorites can be found here as well, but be forewarned: We don’t have any fast food burger joints! If you’re craving a hamburger, however, tasty ones can be found. Nearly all major restaurants can offer vegetarian dishes as well. International influences are evident in Bonaire’s culinary scene.

It should come as no surprise that Bonaire has a rich mixture of food choices. There are over 70 different cultures from which to draw recipes and almost as many variations on them as there are cooks. Bonaire is not blessed with much locally grown food and has to rely heavily on imports and ship schedules for procuring fresh produce. However, with more frequent, direct flights from Europe and the US, a lot has changed over the past few years and it is not unusual to find fresh mussels or Norwegian Salmon on the menu.

Choose a restaurant, write a review!

For a complete list of restaurants and dining facilities on Bonaire, click here. Many of these restaurants would be happy to provide special occasion or catering information for any party planning you may need. If you have enjoyed a meal on Bonaire, and wish to let others know about great restaurant finds, be sure to write a review on BonReviews™. Should you like to find the favorite restaurants as rated by other visitors to the island, view our BonReviews™ Five Star Restaurants.

Many restaurants are shore-front and offer bars as well as sit-down dining. With Bonaire’s year-round good weather and friendly breezes, most restaurants also offer al fresco dining (that’s dining in the open for the monolingual among us). As the Dutch say, it’s “gezellig” dining, which translates best as “cozy, welcoming, comfortable, and fun” all rolled into one. During the busy winter months or if you have a large group, we recommend advance reservations.

Bonaire’s chefs win awards year after year.

For the last few years, Bonaire’s restaurants have put together a team of talented chefs and taken part in the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition to compete against their counterparts from other islands in the region. The competition is fierce with 20 islands sending a number of chefs to challenge each other’s culinary skills. Bonaire has consistently placed among the top medal winners and brought home the gold.

Additional information for dining on Bonaire.

Reservations & Closed Days

It’s recommended that if you want to dine at a particular restaurant on a given day, especially for dinner, that you make reservations. During normal periods, it may suffice to place your reservation the same day as your intended meal, but for waterside dining, it may be a good idea to call a day, or even more, in advance. The front desk at the hotel where you’re staying can help you with this. Making reservations is also a good way to make sure that the restaurant you desire to dine at will be open. Most Bonairean restaurants (except those at hotels), tend to be closed one night a week.

Getting Service and Your Cheque

On Bonaire, our philosophy is that people enjoying a meal out shouldn’t feel rushed. Waiters and waitresses in our restaurants will check on you to make sure you’re doing fine but are not pushy about it. If you need something, just a simple wave will do the trick. Also, since all meals are prepared fresh from scratch they may also take a little longer to cook and bring out to your table, but once you sample your meal, you’ll know the wait was worth it. Finally, when you’re done with your meal and ready to move on, you may need to let your waitperson know – Bonairean dining means letting diners determine when they are ready to leave, and that means not forcing a cheque on guests who aren’t yet ready to leave.

Tipping & Service Charges

Some restaurants may add a standard 10% or 15% service charge to your bill. If you feel the waitstaff performed an outstanding job, feel free to add a little more. Keep in mind, however, that if no service charge was automatically added, and you felt you had good service, that a tip is appreciated. Total tipping on Bonaire is similar to that in North America, namely 15-20% of the bill. Of course, if you were not happy with your dining experience, please let the manager know immediately.

Payment

For payment, all restaurants accept U.S. Dollars. Many also accept major credit cards but be sure to check ahead of time in case this is a concern. Please also note that there are ATM machines within an easy walking distance of most restaurants in the center of town.

Local Food

One of the special treats available to visitors to Bonaire is the chance to sample local food. You may see a sign, Aki ta Bende Kuminda Krioyo, or “local food sold here.” Rest assured you will be well fed from a selection of sopi (soups), stoba (stews) or food that is hasa (fried), and you will not go hungry. The portions are huge, very tasty, and economical. The local food is served pa bai kun’e (to go) from the Snacks or in a number of places, at sit down establishments. Following are a few dishes with explanations.

Local

English

Kabritu

=

Goat

Galiña

=

Chicken

Baka

=

Beef

Kabes ku Higra

=

Goat Brains and Liver

Stoba

=

Stew

Sanger

=

Blood (fried)

Komkomber

=

Cucumber

Funchi

=

Polenta (corn meal)

Kesio

=

Flan / Quesillo

Karko

=

Conch

Piska

=

Fish

When you do order local food, you have it served with rice, potato, or funchi. Many people order it mitar mitar, which is half-and-half, with rice and potato or funchi. Another treat is to ask for the pika siboyo, a sauce made with onions marinated in vinegar and hot peppers. Rest assured, local food is not made with hot spices, but the sauce, if you use it, makes up for it.

Bon Apetit!

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Restaurant Reviews on BonReviews:

5/5

Fine dining at Sebastian’s Restaurant! I had two wonderful dinners recently at Sebastian’s, one out on their private pier. In my opinion Sebastian’s is the place to go whenever visiting Bonaire. The ambiance is lovely, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. It is in my opinion, the best place to dine on the island […]

King Kong Burger Food Truck. Find it on Bachelors Beach. Tuesday through Sat…I think. We have returned to these freshly made, gourmet burgers several times. The meat is fresh and tasty. Prepared when ordered and seasoned to perfection. Several special recipes to choose from. Our favorite is the French connection….so unique and tasty, paired with mosquito […]

Best tuna ever at Sebastian’s Restaurant! We visited Bonaire 06/16 & I have to say that our visit To Sebastian’s was one of the highlights. The tuna was some of the best I’ve ever had & was done to its rare perfection. Cut with a fork & melt in your mouth!!!! Of course, washed down […]

Capriccio Ristorante is wonderful! This was a nice surprise! We were greeted with a welcome drink and a wonderful basket of bread and fresh pita chips. We had scallops and pasta which was wonderful and bolognese was nothing to brag about. Staff was pleasant and welcoming. Reservations (highly recommended) were for 6pm for party of […]

Great food at Sebastian’s Restaurant, but exceptionally slow. After waiting 30 minutes for our snickers ice cream dessert they told us they were out of peanuts and have sent someone to buy some and would be at least 10 more minutes. we said forget the dessert and bring us the check. it still took 30 […]

Fantastic fresh fish at Chibi Chibi. We have now eaten the fresh fish special (mahi) twice on two separate trips (November and January). The service is impeccable, the restaurant and bathrooms are very clean, and the food is amazing. I struggle to understand why this restaurant doesn’t have better reviews on Trip Advisor. It truly […]

Mezze is a great new spot! They installed a makeshift wheelchair ramp so a bunch of us decided to try this new addition to the island’s many awesome restaurants. Loved the excellent lamb shank served with delicious vegetables. Started with the eggplant and fresh pita. Decent prices too. We’re heading back soon.

Pizza, pizza at Rum Runners! My second dinner upon arrival on Bonaire is going to Rum Runners and seeing my good friend TT and ordering two spicy shrimp pizzas and taking them home. Best pizza on the island. Well eating healthy I also order their Caesars Salad no anchovies with the pizzas. Note-TT is the […]

My wife and I had a wonderful meal at Ingridients, but I have to say that the waiting staff did pressure us to select items we did not want. Don’t hesitate to eat here because the food is excellent…just be prepared to say no to serving suggestions.

Don’t miss Mezze while on Bonaire! We visited Mezze with friends and had a delicious meal. “Mezze” like “tapas” means “small plates” and all of the apps were outstanding: hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and baba ghanous, which we lapped up with homemade pita, forks and fingers. The concept of “small” evaporated when the entrees were served, especially […]

At Sea Restaurant Accommodating to Vegans and Gluten Free Folks. First off they have my favorite…Hendricks gin, but a steady supply of fever tree tonics is a must to enjoy its smooth flavours. An enthusiastic bartender willing to earn your praises is a great start to an enjoyable evening. I asked the waitress if chef […]

Latin Vibe at Cuba Compagnie! I was invited to dinner by friends. Previously, I had been to Cuba for cocktails but dinner was a new experience. We sat outside surrounded by a lively and bustling vibe. The wait staff are very friendly and helpful. They are very busy so it takes patience and some effort […]

Excellent daily specials and “to die for” ribs at Joe’s Grillhouse! Excellent casual place. Jessica and Bart, along with the staff, make you feel welcome and comfortable. We always visit Joe’s at least twice during our yearly dive trip to Bonaire. The daily catch special is always excellent while the ribs are “fall off the bone” […]

Delightful evening at Bon Aroma! Be sure to include Bon Aroma on your list of fine dining experiences. The ambiance is lovely, the service impeccable and the cuisine delicious. The marlin and lionfish duo with its sides was outstanding. Dessert was a delight – apple tart with vanilla ice cream and a mixed berry cobbler […]

At Sea serves works of art! We dined at At Sea twice while we were recently in Bonaire. Both times we chose the Surprise Menu, and all of the dishes were beautifully prepared and delicious. The dishes were true works of art, decorated with beautiful garnishes and great imagination. Dessert one night was an underwater […]

La Cantina is absolutely the best! Great ambience! Great service and the food was absolutely stunning!! Chef Cook Rick and his wife Kim did it again! They created a new food experience! You can order a la carte or take a surprise dinner and watch how your food is being prepared. You should definitely […]

Good taste at Bon Aroma! The elegance of this small beautifully-appointed space provides privacy between the five tables and quiet from the street while breezes flow through the open walls encouraging relaxation and conversation. My meal of braised marlin and lionfish with mango and basil sauce, a medley of fine vegetables and Italian rice, finished […]

Al fresco dining at Cuba Compagnie. We loved dining at Cuba. The outdoor setting is casual and comfortable. It’s a lively vibe. Service is efficient and friendly. I typically order the fresh fish. I have also enjoyed the ceviche. Cuba is a fun spot for a group of friends.

Great local flavor of the island at Mi Banana. We were directed to Mi Banana to a great surprise. Friendly and personable staff and food was great. Chicken and fish dishes were our favorites up until the dessert. The three leche cake was to die for. Don’t miss the dessert.

Best Lunch Spot! I am a tuna sandwich aficionado. I have sampled tuna sandwiches across Bonaire. Between Two Buns serves the best by far. I love their multi-grain bread with seeds and goodness. The salad itself is chock full of flavor. They put salty briny capers in their salad adding an extra flavor blast. Wow, […]

My new sushi place…Osaka Japanese Fusion Restaurant. A friend recommended this restaurant for dinner and I had a great experience. I simply love this restaurant! Friendly staff, and amazing sushi! The fish is fresh and everything is very well made. I love the Volcano and Kamikaze roll!! Next time I’m in Bonaire, that’s the place […]

Bon Aroma is fantastic in every way! Incredible food (in top 3 on island); impeccable and warm service, intimate ambiance – BonAroma has it all. We had asparagus soup with shrimp, tuna carpaccio, lion fish and tuna duo, all perfectly prepared and presented. Well balanced menu, vegetarians will be very happy. Good wine list. Delicious and […]

Good food at Between Two Buns. As an owner at Sanddollar, this is one great restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Very friendly owner and staff. I think that I order the same thing every time, great looking desserts and salads.

Best pizza at Pasa Bon Pizza! Best pizza on Bonaire. We look forward to getting that crisp crust and hot cheesy pizza served at Pasa Bon pizza every time we go to Bonaire. Try their Lion Fish pizza….it is good !!

Jasmine Garden is a typical Chinese restaurant, where we had a delicious dinner. We ordered the Yeung chow fried rice and the Kung pao chicken, which were served by friendly staff. During our 2 week’s holiday in Bonaire, we went there 4 times to eat. Every time we were satisfied.

Between Two Buns, Love this place! When we two Canadians visit Bonaire, we plan on almost daily visits to “Between Two Buns.” The sandwiches and salads are terrific and the staff very friendly! Sure fills the bill after a morning of snorkeling!

Good food and good friends at Diver’s Diner Bar & Grill! We have been return customers every time we come to Bonaire. This is trip number 7. Try the walking sticks for sure and the dipping sauce. I could go on and on. Try it out you won’t be sorry.

Pasa Bon Pizza, Not your usual pizza place Third trip to Bonaire and this is our go-to place for dinner at least two nights each trip. Cozy outdoor place. Wait staff very pleasant. Lion fish pizza is awesome. Frozen Lime and Guava dessert is yummy and refreshing. Open Wednesday through Sunday (I think). I am […]

Great food at a great price! Had some of the best sushi I’ve ever had the other night at Exito Buffet & Grill along with a wonderful wok dish prepared by their new chef. Service was great and the food fabulous. The new menu is coming shortly so be sure to go and try it […]

So-so at Between Two Buns. If you never had a sandwich before I suppose you might think it was good. Sandwiches are not served on buns but rather on a sliced baguette about 8″ or so. A piece of meat or cheese is placed in between and voila! Sandwich. No lettuce, tomato, mustard or aioli, […]

Great lunches at Donna & Georgio’s. It’s like stepping off Bonaire’s streets and into Italy. Wonderful food and great atmosphere plus air conditioning. Daily specials and mouth watering pizzas await you…..

Bistro de Paris is accommodating for vegans and vegetarians. We love going to Bistro because we know we can eat a fabulous meal for our vegan needs. Mary makes a mean veggie salad large enough for a meal. The rice bowls, carrot bourgenon is soo tasty, the potato terrine is to die for, so rich […]

Food is excellent @ Donna & Georgio’s, Donna always made me feel special. Great food and always a take out service. As an owner at Sanddollar and full kitchen facilities makes their take out food a very good place to eat in or take out. Every trip to BONAIRE requires multi stops at this restaurant. For pizza […]

Nothing is better than Seared Tuna at the Beach! The Kite City food truck at te’ Amo beach near the airport is not to be missed. Fresh fish prepared just right in oh-so-many ways is one of the expected pleasures of coming to the Caribbean, and Kite City does not disappoint. The beach dining is […]

Not a Typical Pizza! I’m a pepperoni and sausage pizza guy so I was skeptical when I saw pizza topped with shrimp on the menu. I tried it, I loved it, and I’ll go back to Blue Garden Brazilian Grill & Pizza Gourmet for more the next time we are on the island. They offer […]

I have been coming to Bonaire for over 20 years. Without a doubt, Donna & Giorgio’s is our favorite place to dine. A husband & wife team, Donna is the hostess with the most-est and Giorgio is the fantastico Italian chef. Our favorite thing for dinner is to tell Giorgio to make us whatever he […]

Tipsy Seagull – Best dinner ever! We decided to have dinner Friday night at the Tipsy Seagull at the Plaza Hotel and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more! The 3 course meal was fantastic and the music was so awesome. The servers were so friendly and attentive and the food was wonderful. We will definitely […]

Best food on Bonaire at Donna & Giorgio’s! We had 2 dinners and one lunch during our week in Bonaire. We loved the food, Donna, and her daughter. Everything we had was great! Be sure and call for a reservation.

Sebastian’s Restaurant By the Beautiful Sea! You know the saying about saving the best for last? Lorrie and I save Sebastian’s Restaurant for the end of our trip because we love the food selections, service, scenery, Sebastian and the friends that join us for our farewell dinner. The restaurant offers a local menu with several nightly […]

Best Fries On Bonaire! I have been enjoying Bobbejan‘s weekend BBQ since 2001. Maggie and Robert run a tasty restaurant. My daughter loves the rib dinner. I enjoy the fish when it’s fresh. Their side cole slaw is garlicky and tasty. The reason I go so often is their french fries. They are the best […]

Sebastian’s Restaurant is the best all around! I’ve eaten at Sebastian’s maybe five times in the last three years and it’s always been a unique experience. From the greetings that make you feel welcome to the creative menu and exceptional food to the natural ambiance of water and sky–there’s nothing to match it on Bonaire.

Bobbejan’s is our first dinner upon arrival! Upon arriving on Bonaire after food shopping my first dinner is always at Bobbejans. They have the best chicken Sate and ribs. Known as the best take out restaurant and they developed an outdoor dining area. Only opened Friday’s, Sat and Sunday’s but well worth the wait and […]

Eddy’s Restaurant–Again, as an owner at Sanddollar you could not find a better place to eat. Friendly casual great food with a different variety. Family owned and run and will cook to your pleasure. Eddy is the cook, Sonia runs the front along with their children–another Sonia and Eddy!

Awesome burgers and fries at King Kong Burgers & Hotdogs! I would eat these burgers 7 days a week if I could, but my wetsuit would not fit after awhile. They are wonderful and the area the truck is at couldn’t be better. Great job to the owner. Will be back next visit to the […]

Pizza needs work at Blue Garden Brazilian Grill & Pizza Gourmet. The mojitos are great Service started off OK, then once I got my food, I never saw the server again, so never got any more water. The pizza needs work. The crust is about 2mm thick & is heavy & still not totally cooked. […]

Cuba Compagnie Going Downhill We have been here a few times before. I went there tonight with my son and the service was unresponsive and when I said something I got a rude smart mouth response from management. The food is generally good. But don’t order the sodas. You get a small glass full of […]